by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
Fond memories abounded from The Jacksonville Bar Association’s monthly luncheon Thursday at the Hyatt.
Some new memories were created as the JBA welcomed multiple visitors from Tallahassee. Along with scheduled guest speaker Florida Supreme Court Justice Ricky Polston were Senior First District Court of Appeal (DCA) Judge Edwin Browning and First DCA Judge Robert Benton. Browning and Benton were asked to accompany Polston under the guise of providing company during the long ride, but Polston had another reason for asking the judges to come along.
“I know if (Browning) knew that I was going to honor him here he wouldn’t have come,” said Polston. “I just hope I won’t need security once I get done with my speech.”
Polston was a judge in the First District Court of Appeal when he received the appointment to Florida’s Supreme Court in 2008. He served with Browning for over seven years on the court and considered the senior judge his mentor.
“He began as a judge in the First DCA 2 years before me in 1998,” said Polston. “He had 35 years of private practice experience before he became a judge. I gained great knowledge and insight from knowing and being around Judge Browning.”
The two judges developed a strong bond during their time in the First DCA.
“Throughout my career and my life I have turned to Judge Browning for advice,” said Polston. “I turned to him because I knew he would have just the right words to touch my life.”
Polston’s nerves were settled at the end of the speech when he confirmed he still had a ride back to Tallahassee after delivering the surprise honor to Browning, who retired from the First DCA about two weeks ago.
The JBA unveiled a surprise of their own for the guests and members in attendance with a duet by Florida Coastal School of Law Professor Susan Daicoff and her son Arizona, who performed the Janis Joplin hit “Me and Bobby McGee.” The performance gave people a sample of what they can expect when they attend “The Honorable Peter J. Fryefield Law Revue” Thursday.
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